Stonnington News: Spring 2023

Chapel Street is an iconic Melbourne destination, filled with a diverse and vibrant range of retail, hospitality and entertainment enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

It’s home to many of our businesses and residents, making it one of our city’s most-loved precincts. But the vibrancy of the past decades has diminished and there are things we can do to foster a stronger sense of community pride and belonging. This is why we are embarking on a once in a generation project to transform Chapel Street into one of the greatest streets in the world.

We need your help to bring this vision to life and that is why Council is calling for our community to share its vision for Chapel Street.

We continue to talk to the community about our work. Almost 5000 people have had their say through survey and engagement responses across

76 projects and initiatives in the last financial year. This helps us better support the community on the things that directly matter and make a difference to them.

Our Meet Your Councillor sessions are proving popular, with hundreds of our community turning out to speak with your councillors. We have more sessions planned for October and November and I hope to see you there. Our works program continues, with two new all-abilities playgrounds due to open by the end of the year. The new playgrounds bring inclusive, accessible spaces to Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong and Central Park, Malvern East, including swings, sand, water play and interactive sculptures. Barbeques, drinking fountains and revamped toilet facilities will make both parks welcoming places to visit. The multi-purpose sports facility at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park will open later this month, well ahead of its original planned completion date of February 2024.

Council has worked hard to ensure our community has access to dedicated sporting facilities, especially those that will increase and enhance female participation in sport. I’m excited to see the return of the lawn bowls, tennis, lacrosse and cricket, along with newcomers Stonnington City Netball Association, to what will be newly named the Stonnington Sports Centre.

I hope to see you this month at one of the fabulous events being held in Prahran as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, including lots of free fun at the Prahran Square family weekend. An enormous Ukiyo tent fills Grattan Gardens for a ticketed program of vibrant shows; while a vintage bus parked in Prahran Square brings Speed the movie to life.

Cr Jami Klisaris Mayor City of Stonnington

Where do my rates go? For every $100 we spend

Council rates enable the City of Stonnington to deliver dozens of services for our community, including family and children’s services, youth facilities, waste management, open space, community buildings, events and capital works.

This year’s budget delivers $64.89 million in new infrastructure projects while ensuring residents continue to pay some of the lowest rates in Victoria.

Rates notices for 2023–24 were posted in August. If you haven’t received yours, please contact us on 8290 1333 or email council@stonnington.vic.gov.au

The City of Stonnington has support in place for people experiencing difficulty in paying rates, fees or charges. Visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/rates for more information.

Did you know you can get your rates notice electronically?

Visit our website to request environmentally friendly digital rates notices in the future.

A word from the Mayor Reconciliation Acknowledgement

the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.

Stonnington welcomes new CEO

Dale Dickson has been appointed Stonnington’s new Chief Executive Officer. A former resident of Prahran, Dale has previously served as CEO at the Mount Isa, Gold Coast and Whitsunday Councils. He commenced his local government career at Melbourne City Council.

Mayor Jami Klisaris and councillors welcomed Dale to the role.

He brings to Stonnington a wealth of public service, governance, planning and management knowledge.

Mr Dickson commenced in the role on 26 July.

Make MyStonnington your Stonnington

Put Council services in your pocket with the free MyStonnington app. MyStonnington features useful information such as bin collection day notifications, helpful tips on what goes in each bin and hard waste dates.

Stay up to date with our latest news and connect with our library services at the touch of a button.

Download the app at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ mystonnington

Ace design scores goals for community sport

Prahran Aquatic set to sparkle this spring

Nestled just off Chapel Street, the Prahran Aquatic Centre has been a much-loved community swimming spot for 60 years.

The popular meeting place for locals is getting a makeover – with works well underway to give the centre a much-needed refresh.

Works kicked off recently with the decommissioning of the outdoor 50-metre pool, which included draining the pool and removing the old tiles. And now many hands are making light work of replastering and retiling the pool shell.

On 10 August, City of Stonnington

Mayor Cr Jami Klisaris was joined by the Victorian Government’s John Berger MLC and representatives from the tennis centre and Stonnington City Netball Association to celebrate the recently opened multi-courts.

The new courts take the place of five old tennis courts that, due to their age and condition, were earmarked for replacement.

At the opening Cr Klisaris praised the design that has delivered five high-quality synthetic-surfaced courts for tennis and netball.

“What’s been achieved at Orrong Park is a great example of that innovation,

Stonnington helps electric vehicles get up to speed

where we have successfully turned five old tennis courts into multi-courts that deliver the same number of tennis courts plus five new netball courts –all on the same footprint.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to provide the tennis and netball clubs and their members with a fantastic new facility that I’m sure they will enjoy for many years to come.

“The courts are also available for casual hire and I encourage our sport loving community to come along and try them out.

“My thanks also to the Victorian Government for its contribution to

the project, funding the new court lighting,” said Cr Klisaris.

The opening of the courts coincided with the switching on of new sports lights at the adjacent Orrong Romanis Reserve, also part funded by the Victorian Government.

The new oval lighting is low spill and energy efficient and demonstrates the city’s commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and sustainable infrastructure.

The new lights are welcomed by the rugby club who train and play at the park and are enjoying training under the improved lighting.

By the time the Centre reopens, we will also have refurbished the toddler pool, repaired damaged sections of the pool surrounds and grandstand, made improvements to the spa and sauna areas and replaced the fixtures in the change rooms.

This is the second refurbishment for the Prahran site, which opened in 1963. The current works will ensure the Centre remains a place for the community that is accessible for all, accommodates users and is sustainable and contemporary.

Works are expected to be completed and the Centre reopened in October 2023.

Find out more: stonnington.vic.gov.au

A new electric vehicle fast charging station in Malvern can recharge an electric car in as little as 30 minutes. And it’s helping residents get back on the road faster, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The 50kW DC fast charger is located at the Glenferrie Road public car park next to Malvern Police Station.

It is the first Stonnington-owned fast charger and only the second public fast charger location in Stonnington –the other can be found at the Malvern Central Shopping Centre car park. Made possible by a $40,000 grant awarded under the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) program, the charger

supports Council’s commitment to increase local uptake of electric vehicles through facilitating and delivering a network of Council-owned charging stations.

Local resident and electric vehicle owner Rory Michael says it’s great to see Stonnington rolling out fast chargers.

“I am unable to charge in my apartment building so I rely on public charging stations,” he said.

“The new charging station on Glenferrie Road is convenient to get to and the super-quick charging option means I can charge my car as part of my shopping routine.”

The user-pays charger is run through Australia’s largest EV charging network,

Chargefox. To use the charger, you simply download the Chargefox app for iPhone or Android, plug in and start your charging session. Using the app, the price to recharge is shown against the location on the Chargefox map, and the app will let you know in real time how your charge is going so you don’t need to keep checking back.

Although not a fast charger, the city also offers EV charging through a unit in the Prahran Square car park, with plans for more to come at locations across Stonnington.

To find out more about Chargefox visit chargefox.com/ev-facts/

“As an inner city council we face the challenge of very limited space to build new community sport infrastructure so we are always on the lookout for innovative ways we can expand sport offerings at existing facilities.”

— Cr Jami Klisaris Mayor

↖ (Pictured L-R) Kate Campbell from Stonnington City Netball Association, John Berger MLC, Stonnington Mayor Cr Jami Klisaris, Cr Mike Scott and Tyrone Landsman from Melbourne Rugby Club at the unveiling of the new courts.

Sports fans have twice the reason to visit Orrong Park Tennis Centre in Prahran following the unveiling of new courts for tennis and netball.

What’s on in Stonnington

SEPTEMBER

8 – 24 September

Chapel Off Chapel (musical theatre)

Saturday 9 September

10.15am to 12.15pm

Phoenix Park Library

Join

A

funny thing

happened on the way to the forum

Presented by Watch This

This reimagined production of a Broadway classic takes comedy back to its roots, featuring an all-female ensemble. Bookings at chapeloffchapel.com.au

OCTOBER

5 – 15 October

Chapel Off Chapel (musical theatre)

Songs for a New World

Presented by Soundworks Productions

A stirring collection of powerful songs from Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (Bridges of Madison County) examining life, love, the human condition and our journey through time.

See chapeloffchapel.com.au

20 – 29 October

Chapel Off Chapel

Jazz at the Chapel

As part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival

The world's most captivating talents come together for Melbourne International Jazz Festival’s Jazz at the Chapel series.

Featuring renowned international and Australian jazz luminaries, with fun for all ages including adults, children and families.

Visit melbournejazz.com for details.

How to

propagate

your own plants from seed

Free workshop

Get tips on how to grow your own vegetables from seed. Presented as part of the Stonnington Seed Library’s Sustainable Living Series.

7 – 22 October

Prahran Square and Grattan Gardens, Prahran

Fringe in Prahran

There is something for everyone as Prahran comes alive with a circus and streets arts spectacular featuring renowned artists from comedy, circus, drag, cabaret and burlesque.

Find out more: sosoiree.com.au

Every Wednesday in October (commencing 1 October)

Workplace Wellbeing workshops

Stonnington small businesses are invited to register for these free wellbeing workshops. Improve your work-life balance, mental wellbeing, resilience and recovery, while networking and collaborating with others. Bookings required. Sessions subject to availability. Find out more: stonnington.vic.gov.au/business

NOVEMBER

5 November

Chapel Off Chapel (live music)

The Idea of North reunion tour

Free event

The Idea of North bring back their beloved a cappella harmonies after a three-year hiatus. Enjoy classic and recent repertoire, along with the quintet’s signature harmony and cheeky humour.

Visit chapeloffchapel.com.au

Prahran Square Circus and Street Arts Spectacular

A fabulous line-up for the whole family of some of Australia's best circus and street art talent.

14 October 10.30am to 12pm

Malvern Library

Preparing for a summer harvest

Free event

All you need to know to grow fresh produce at home this summer. Gardeners of all levels welcome.

Throughout October

Stonnington Smart Garden tour

Stonnington residents open their gardens to the public for a free garden tour showcasing sustainable garden practices. Get inspired to turn your garden into a sustainable haven. Find out more: stonnington.vic.gov.au/ community/sustainability

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October, 11am to 4pm

Prahran Square

Free event

Prahran Fringe Garden

A curated program of renowned artists pushing the boundaries of comedy, circus, drag, cabaret and burlesque. Includes Karen From Finance, Cab Suave, Sh*t Wrecked, Juniper Wilde, Granny Bingo and lots more!

12 – 22 October

(Thursdays to Sundays)

Grattan Gardens, free entry from 5pm

Tickets on sale now for all shows inside the Ukiyo Circus Tent

Speed. The Movie. The Play.

9–26 November

Chapel Off Chapel (musical theatre)

DOGFIGHT

Presented by Theatrical

Follow three young Marines preparing for deployment in 1963. Set to hauntingly beautiful music, an unexpected encounter leads to transformative lessons about love and compassion.

Book at chapeloffchapel.com.au

Speed. The Movie. The Play, is the hottest ticket in town this spring! Climb on-board a vintage bus parked in Prahran Square and take part in this homage to the 1994 action thriller Speed

10 – 22 October

Prahran Square

Tickets on sale now

More information and tickets: sosoiree.com.au

Dancing their way to the Seniors Festival

Nimble-footed seniors are getting ready to dance up a storm at one of 20 activities taking place in Stonnington as part of this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival.

Every year in October, the Victorian Seniors Festival brings over-60s together to enjoy activities, connect with neighbours and meet new friends. Events include live theatre, gallery exhibitions, cultural experiences, singing, music, dancing and more. But the highlight of the Seniors Festival in Stonnington is the Windsor Seniors Charity Dance, held at the Malvern Town Hall each year in October, where funds are raised to help various local charities.

And a group of dedicated seniors meet each Tuesday afternoon at the Prahran RSL to practice their dance moves as part of the Windsor Senior Citizens Club (WSC). Peek inside the doors for a vision of sparkling sequins, colourful frocks and whirling skirts as the dancers move through their steps to the Monte Carlo, Tango and Foxtrot, while DJ Robert spins his tracks.

Spring into the Winter Street pop-up park

The Winter Street pop-up park has had an upgrade and is bursting with colour just in time for Spring.

The park, located opposite the Malvern Coles near the corner of Glenferrie Road and Winter Street, has been refreshed with a newly painted mural, colourful picnic tables and seating. There is a front fence for safety from the road, as well as interactive play elements and ambient lighting.

The pop-up park was installed in late April in response to community feedback that asked for safer environments for young children, as well as more space where people could hang out and relax.

The pop-up park has been well received, with locals Brodie and Joe Ghaemi making it a regular place to recharge and relax.

“We really love grabbing a coffee and taking some time out in the park after shopping or exercise,” said Brodie. And Joe agrees. “We love how Stonnington has really made the most of the space,” he said.

“We both work busy jobs so having more outdoor public spaces to enjoy in our spare time is important to us.”

East Ward Councillor Joe Gianfriddo said it was great to see a variety of people using the park, including families with young children, residents with dogs and nearby office workers enjoying their lunch breaks.

The Winter St pop-up park will be in place for an initial 12 months. Scan the QR codes found on the benches to give council your feedback so we can continue to improve our community spaces.

The Winter Street pop-up park is one of several temporary upgrades in a series of exciting developments that are part of the City of Stonnington’s draft Place-led Economic Development Strategy 2023–27.

WSC’s Treasurer, Sylvia Wilson, who has been involved with the club for nearly 14 years, said this year’s ball was raising funds for Very Special Kids, supporting sick kids and their families.

She welcomes local seniors to come along to Tuesday’s dance sessions.

“The club is a friendly place that makes everybody feel welcome. We often have dancing teachers and club members who assist with revision of dances,” she said.

“The club helps seniors to keep fit and healthy through dance. They socialise with one another and get to enjoy the many activities and events held by the club.”

And do you need a special outfit to join in the fun?

“You don’t require a special dance outfit to enjoy dancing, but I mainly like to wear a free-flowing dress,” explains Sylvia.

“Dancing shoes are very important, and I try to match them with the outfit.”

For more details about the Victorian Seniors Festival 2023, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ victorian-seniors-festival

Stonnington seniors can also enjoy great events all year through the council’s Engaged program, which offers a variety of opportunities for older adults to stay active and socially connected. Most events are supported by community transport, with pick-up from your home.

For more information: stonnington.vic.gov.au/ services/aged-care/engagedprograms-and-events

“Making the most of our public spaces is important to Council and I would love to hear from residents their ideas on how we can continue to deliver green space that benefits our community.”

— Cr Gianfriddo South Ward

↗ Sylvia and Keith dust off their dancing shoes as practice for the Windsor Seniors Charity Dance gets underway.

↘ Cr Joe Gianfriddo chats with locals Joe and Brodie Ghaemi at the Winter St pop-up park.

Come with us as we embark on a once-in-a-generation journey to transform Chapel Street into one of the great streets of the world.

The City of Stonnington is creating a masterplan for Chapel Street and we need your help to inform the vision. Whether you live on or near Chapel Street, run a business, work nearby or visit any of its shops, cafes or restaurants, we want to hear your thoughts on how this precinct could be transformed.

SHARE YOUR VISION FOR AN ICON Next stop… Chapel Street

Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations – famous for its abundance of vibrant and diverse retail, dining and entertainment offerings. It’s a highly sought-after address and one of our city’s greatest assets.

However, in recent years the vibrancy enjoyed over the decades has slowly faded, and it’s time to rethink Chapel Street and reimagine what it could be now and into the future.

Quintessentially Melbourne with its eclectic shopping and dining experiences, colourful street art and the number 78 tram running its length, Chapel Street remains a favourite with locals and a ‘must visit’ destination for visitors.

What do you love about Chapel Street?

“It’s such a good shopping area, you can always find something you didn’t expect.”

— Beng Soon

What one thing would you do today to improve Chapel Street?

Ride the tram or walk Chapel Street from the river to Dandenong Road and see how the character and personality of the street changes – from South Yarra’s gleaming residential towers, designer boutiques and high-end shopping, to the creative and cultural centre of Prahran where you’ll find galleries, live performance venues, the iconic Prahran Market, library, pool and sports precinct, through to the buzz of Windsor with its pubs, clubs and endless dining options.

We want to celebrate the distinctive character and personality of each leg of the Chapel Street journey and create a seamless visual connection to the full length of the street.

Transforming Chapel Street is a huge undertaking that will take time and significant investment to realise. It’s an aspirational project to benefit everyone who lives, works or visits this Stonnington landmark.

We are now at the beginning of the journey, with the first step to create an overarching vision for the street, from which we will deliver a masterplan – the blueprint to how we’ll transform Chapel Street.

“It’s hard to put it into words, but I love how I know all my neighbours and then I can walk to the end of my street and have a beer at the local pub and meet some new people.”

— Ben

“I’d introduce more shelter from the elements.”

— Sue

“I’d make the road less crowded with trams and cars.”

— Graham

GET INVOLVED AND HAVE YOUR SAY

We want you to share your vision for Chapel Street and tell us what needs to be done to transform this iconic destination into one of the great streets of the world.

Mayor Jami Klisaris said community involvement was vital and encouraged everyone to share their feedback.

“Transforming Chapel Street is an exciting and ambitious project and it is important that everyone has their say on one of our city’s greatest assets,” she said.

Whether you live on Chapel Street, in a surrounding street, a suburb nearby or further afield, you play an important role in the transformation.

Your first chance to influence what happens to Chapel Street is NOW!

By 30 September, share your vision for Chapel Street at connectstonnington.vic.gov.au/ chapel-st

This is the first of many opportunities you will have to be involved in the Chapel Street journey and we will be checking in with you along the way to ensure your voice is heard throughout the masterplan development and delivery.

To be part of our biggest ever streetscape transformation and to hear about future Chapel Street engagement opportunities, visit the Connect Stonnington Chapel Street page and ‘Follow’ the project.

Don’t miss your chance to help us make Chapel Street a great street now and for generations to come.

connectstonnington.vic.gov.au/ chapel-st

Scan to have your say

“Each section is unique – there's a distinct ‘Windsor end’ and a distinct ‘South Yarra end’.”

— Anneliese

“It will be better with more shops, too many have closed down after COVID.”

“Greener streets would be nicer, maybe some more trees.”

— Chris

“With your help, we can make Chapel Street a thriving, creative and unique cultural destination with a strong sense of community pride and belonging.

“Let’s make Chapel Street one of the greatest streets in the world.”

— Cr Jami Klisaris Mayor

“I’d love to see more restoration of the beautiful old buildings.”

— Ritvi

“There’s a different option for dinner every night.”

— Chad

— Whitney

↘ Walk down memory lane: a historic look back at Chapel Street — from South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor — over the years.

BAKING UP A STORM with our Business Concierge service

When Kendyll and Liv decided to move their at-home cake business into its own premises, they knew they would have some questions.

And their first point of call?

Stonnington Business Concierge Officer Gerard Smith.

The Business Concierge team is a dedicated support service for new, existing and potential businesses in Stonnington.

The service helps business owners navigate the permits and approvals process and provides access to a range of support services.

Recently, some businesses have been visited by Gerard, who has been personally engaging with owners and staff to explain the service, what can be offered and how the City of Stonnington may be able to support them.

“My visits provide a really interesting insight into the concerns of our local business community,” Gerard said.

“We often make assumptions of what we think our local business community needs in terms of support but until we have that conversation, we may not hit the mark.”

Before opening their own shopfront, owners Kendyll and Liv were baking in their home kitchen and operating their business with online orders.

“Visiting them meant I could help them with their exciting new move,” Gerard said.

Bringing swimming lessons back with a splash

Warmer weather calls for sunny beach and pool days, which means now is a great time to refresh your swimming skills.

The Learn to Swim program at the Harold Holt Swim Centre offers lessons for all ages and abilities to build confidence and an enjoyment of water. All-abilities classes are also available.

The Active Stonnington team is encouraging people to enrol in swim lessons ahead of the summer weather, especially if they missed lessons during the COVID lockdown, when pools and swim programs were closed due to restrictions.

Stonnington’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Melina Sehr, said now was the perfect time to start swimming lessons.

“The Harold Holt Swim Centre is the place to refresh your swimming

and water safety skills, just in time for the warmer weather,” she said.

Jess O’Halloran, who manages the Learn to Swim program, said the team prides itself on creating a fun, safe and professional learning environment.

“Our instructors work hard to cater to each student’s needs and no swimming experience is needed,” she said.

Swim enthusiasts Jimmy, 8, and Lalita, 4, agree. “I love going really deep in the water and the diving boards,” Jimmy said.

Lalita added: “I love playing underwater tea parties.”

To enrol your child in swimming lessons, call 8290 1678

Find out more: stonnington.vic.gov.au/active/ swim/learn-to-swim

Owner Liv said the Business Concierge service had been a lifesaver.

“Sometimes it gets overwhelming knowing exactly how to run a business, especially when moving from a home-based business into a physical store,” she said.

“It was really great to meet Gerard and get first-hand advice”. Her co-owner, Kendyll, agreed.

“We were keen to find out more about footpath trading,” Kendyll said.

“Gerard helped us understand what we would need to consider before applying for a permit.”

And with Gerard’s help, The Cake Club was one step closer to enticing new customers with fabulous treats, coffee and a made-to-order custom cake service.

Let our free Business Concierge service help you! Call 8290 8333 or email businessconcierge@ stonnington.vic.gov.au for support in running your business. The Business Concierge can also tell you about programs and events coming up or training opportunities offered by City of Stonnington.

↗ Business Concierge Officer Gerard Smith visits The Cake Club co-owners Liv and Kendyll.

↗ Deputy Mayor Cr Melina Sehr has fun with Jimmy and Lalita at the Harold Holt Swim Centre.

“Our Learn to Swim Program offers lessons for everyone, from infants right through to adults, so there is no excuse to not be summer ready this year.”

— Cr Sehr South Ward

Final stage of Toorak Park works underway

Stonnington delivering three times the fun!

By early next year you’ll have three more reasons to leave the house and get active, with two new all-abilities playgrounds due to open by the end of the year and the revamped Prahran Skate Park and Basketball Court back in action in March.

The new playground currently under construction at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong is an inclusive, accessible play space for children, youth and adults of all abilities. It features accessible swings, sand and water play, interactive sculptures plus an accessible barbecue, drinking fountain, shelter, toilet facility and lots of trees and garden beds. A mix of soft and hard surfaces and custom play and furniture items will make this a great place to visit.

Over in Central Park, Malvern East, there’s also plenty going on with another all-abilities playground build well underway. This new space will also include accessible swings, slides, a cubby, sensory structures, a water mister and sand pit – plus family-friendly features such as a drinking fountain, park furniture, toilet facility and lots of greenery. All going to plan, the Central Park all-abilities playground will open by the end of the year, too. You can find it about 100 metres south of the existing

Kingston Street playground, which is also getting an upgrade.

Further west in Prahran, since kicking off in mid-July, things are progressing well on a revamp of the iconic Prahran Skate Park and Basketball Court. Upon completion it will be a modern skate plaza with contemporary features and challenging elements to suit all abilities. When consulting on the skate park design the community told us they wanted the iconic vert ramp to remain. We listened – it’s staying – and will take pride of place within the revamped skate park. We’ll also be adding a new mini ramp. The basketball court next to the skate park is also being rebuilt to a full-size court and lighting added so play can extend into the evening. Shade shelters, park furniture and lots of trees and garden beds will be included. The skate park and all-abilities playgrounds were designed in close consultation with the community and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying them very soon.

For more on these and other major works happening across the city visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/majorworks

Sports centre build on track to open ahead of schedule

Construction of the new Toorak Park pavilion is underway, with a contemporary feel being added to the much-loved sportsground. The old pavilion structure was demolished earlier this year and will be replaced with a modern, accessible and multi-functional building. The new structure will include clubrooms, venue spaces and a grandstand overlooking Toorak Park. This new build, undertaken by 2CONSTRUCT Pty Ltd, is part of the third and final stage of the Toorak Park/ Victory Square masterplan, adopted by Council in 2018 to update this popular sport and recreation precinct. Previous stages of the masterplan saw Victory Square upgraded with a new playground and the old cricket nets replaced with a new and improved practice wicket.

In delivering the final stage of works we have also redeveloped the Toorak Park sports oval, installed new lighting towers with low-spill, energy-efficient LED sports lighting, and will be upgrading the Orrong Road grandstand and landscaping the surrounds.

The new pavilion will take around 18 months to build and is expected to open in late 2024.

For progress updates visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/tpp

Works progressing on Toorak Village makeover

Beautification of the Toorak Village streetscape continues, with works progressing towards a completion date later this year.

The pedestrian areas on both sides of Toorak Road, between Grange Road and Wallace Avenue, are getting a total rebuild – transforming the aged and deteriorated footpath areas into a high-quality streetscape with brass-trimmed pavements, feature cobblestones, bluestone kerbs, elegant new street furniture, heritage-inspired lighting and lots of trees and greenery.

Working alongside one of Melbourne’s busiest streets has proved a challenge and we have added night works to the schedule to ensure the project is delivered on time.

During the works the shops, commercial businesses and eateries on Toorak Road are all open and we are doing all we can to keep them as accessible to pedestrians as possible. We know the sight of construction fencing can make you think twice about visiting, but we encourage you to keep shopping local and show your support for your local traders. Within a few months we look forward to unveiling a streetscape that will add to the attraction of visiting this much-loved shopping destination.

For more on the project visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/ toorakvillage

Ahead of schedule, the new sports facility is expected to throw open its doors from late-October, months earlier than the original planned completion date of February 2024. The opening will see the return of the lawn bowls, tennis, lacrosse, cricket and recreation clubs and welcome newcomers Stonnington City Netball Association to the four-court Margaret Connellan Stadium.

This development is the city’s biggest investment in community sport, delivering new clubrooms and infrastructure for existing clubs and creating an indoor stadium for sports such as netball, basketball and volleyball.

With sports centre construction coming to an end, work will continue at the park with safety screens on the oval, perimeter fencing installed and a Quentin Road playground upgrade.

stonnington.vic.gov.au/ptmp

The finishing touches are being applied to the multi-purpose sports facility at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park with the newly named Stonnington Sports Centre to open soon. Find out more:

Our engaged community takes action

Thousands of Stonnington community members have had their say on Council matters this year through our engagement programs.

And we continue to actively seek your feedback across key projects, strategies and initiatives that matter to you.

City of Stonnington’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Stacey Buchanan, says feedback from our community is vital as it results in better council decisions, improved policy, enhanced services and greater community satisfaction and wellbeing.

Engagement for the 2022–23 financial year resulted in more than 108,000 combined views and visits on our Connect Stonnington website.

The Connect Stonnington team regularly consults with residents and businesses and has run 16 community consultations since the start of the year, as well as 34 local transport and parking engagements.

More than 50 people have also had their say at pop-up community events and we have recorded almost 5000 survey and engagement responses so far.

This consultation for the last financial year occurred across 76 projects and ensured the community had a voice across many policies and issues including the place led economic development project, council Budget 2023–2024, local law review and proposed Stonnington Planning Scheme amendment C320ston: Toorak, Armadale and Kooyong Heritage Review. Community engagement also occurred across the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Meet your Councillor program, the car share parking scheme and Ageing Well in Stonnington.

And the community was also able to get involved in naming the Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park and discussions around a proposed sculpture for the Prahran Skate Park.

“Community engagement is a planned process for Council to work with individuals and groups to encourage active involvement in matters that affect them,” Stacey said.

Past consultation occurred on everything from proposed governance rules changes, our LGBTIQA+ action plan, council’s asset plan, bicycle parking, community safety and more. And feedback from the community has been positive.

“Many people tell us they appreciate the opportunity to participate in Council’s decision-making,” Stacey said.

It’s easier than ever to have your say on our projects, via the Connect Stonnington digital platform. You can also find out more about past engagement projects and register to have your say on upcoming projects.

“At Connect Stonnington, you can engage with us on current projects, view past projects and receive updates on projects that are underway,” Stacey said.

“This really is a great way for people to hear about our new engagement projects as soon as they are released and we encourage everyone to get involved.”

It’s time for a Spring Fling!

Do you have belongings at home that have reached the end of their life?

Stonnington’s spring hard waste collection begins in mid-September.

Our spring hard waste flyer is hitting letterboxes from early September, explaining everything you need to know about what to put out for collection, exact collection dates for your area and items that we cannot accept.

If you’re in a commercial property or an apartment complex, the flyer includes a phone number for you to call to book a collection.

Find out more at: stonnington.vic.gov.au/ services/waste-and-recycling

Our venues, your vision

How about the iconic Malvern Town Hall for your next event?

With more than 20 venue spaces for hire, the City of Stonnington can accommodate events of various sizes, from intimate gatherings of six to larger affairs with up to 600 guests. Our venues serve as spaces to meet, workshop, celebrate, train or to create. Whether you want to roll out the red carpet or the electric whiteboard – the City of Stonnington has you covered with venues and a team to create your vision.

See the full list of venues for hire at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ community/venue-hire or call our team on 8290 1333

“Chatting with the Stonnington team helped us to understand what is happening in our area.”

“I like that the Council reaches out and has some many opportunities for consultation.”

“Thanks for all the hard work to help community members participate in Council’s decision-making.”

“SIMPLY SPECTACULAR” engagement sessions a hit

Stonnington’s Meet Your Councillor evenings are proving to be popular, with hundreds of community members attending our first three sessions.

The sessions are an opportunity for the community and Council to come together to connect on the issues that are important.

And feedback has been positive, with one attendee saying the evening was “simply spectacular”.

South Yarra resident Grant Gray, who attended a session held at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club in July, also said it was a great evening. “I came along to discuss changes to parking in my street and I found the councillors and staff really responsive,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see people come together talking and addressing the issues.”

EAST WARD

East Ward representing the communities of Glen Iris, Malvern and Malvern East

Cr Jami Klisaris Mayor jklisaris@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0427 333 471

SOUTH WARD

South Ward representing the communities of Armadale, Malvern, Prahran and Windsor

Cr Melina Sehr Deputy Mayor msehr@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0417 773 644

NORTH WARD

North Ward representing the communities of Kooyong, South Yarra and Toorak

Cr Marcia Griffin mgriffin@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0429 239 413

Issues discussed at the Meet Your Councillor sessions range from waste and recycling, parking, planning, building heritage, community facilities and more.

Held as collaborative round-table discussions, attendees can sit and talk directly with their local Councillors and senior Council staff about issues that are important to them.

Upcoming sessions will be held in October and November. Refreshments are provided and attendees are welcome to drop in over the course of the evening for an informal chat:

Thursday 5 October 6pm–8pm

– South Ward with Cr Batagol, Cr Scott and Cr Sehr

Thursday 19 October 6pm–8pm

– North Ward with Cr Griffin, Cr Hely and Cr Koce

Wednesday 1 November 6pm–8pm

– East Ward with Cr Gianfriddo, Cr Klisaris and Cr Morgan.

Want to get your monthly fix of Stonnington news? Sign up to our monthly eNews.

Contact us

8290 1333

PO Box 58 Malvern Victoria 3144 council@stonnington.vic.gov.au

Stonnington City Centre 311 Glenferrie Road, Malvern Stonnington Services and Visitor Hub Chatham Street Prahran Square, Prahran

Visit us online stonnington.vic.gov.au

Request a service online at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ requestservice

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If you are blind or have low vision, you can receive an audio version of Stonnington News delivered to your home.

Cr Joe Gianfriddo jgianfriddo@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0455 357 355

Cr Nicki Batagol nbatagol@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0437 655 926

Cr Kate Hely khely@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0436 460 829

Cr Polly Morgan pmorgan@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0429 784 025

Cr Mike Scott mscott@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0428 289 683

Cr Matthew Koce mkoce@stonnington.vic.gov.au

0419 147 352

Council meetings are held in Malvern Town Hall and are open to the public. All meetings are livestreamed on our website. stonnington.vic.gov.au/watch-council-live

Call 8290 1192 or email access@stonnington.vic.gov.au

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service: TTY users call 133 677, then ask for 8290 1333

Speak and listen users, call 1300 555 727, then ask for 8290 1333

Award-winning program of evening delights featuring: Karen From Finance Club Briefs

Smashed Arvo Rouge

Granny Bingo and MORE!

12–22 October Grattan Gardens Prahran Get the full program and book tickets